Comedian, writer, songwriter, director/producer, troupe proprietor.
The son of comedian George Rocks (aka George Toon), Joe Rox began his career in the late-1890s and by 1902 was with Ted Holland’s Vaudeville Company. In addition to regular billing with James Brennan (1905-12) he also worked for Holland and St John, Harry Clay, J.C. Bain, the Fullers (New Zealand), Dix-Baker and Harry Barrington among others.
Rox was later engaged by Harry Clay as a troupe leader, writer, director and producer (1914-1921); starred with Harry Borradale’s Sparkers (1921-22), managed his own independent troupe (mid-1920s, including a return engagement on Harry Clay's Sydney circuit); toured with Stanley McKay (early-1930s), and worked in radio. He also entertained troops in Brisbane during the war.
Rox died in Brisbane in 1946.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]